Page 11 of Curtain Call
The Americana home décor and distressed furniture hasn’t changed much since the last time he was there for dinner. In fact, it hasn’t changed since they were teens either. Even Riley’s bedroom is the same except there are new linens on the bed and it doubles as a guest room when Riley isn’t there. It’s quaint and homey. Colin’s shoulders ease as he inhales the aroma from the kitchen.
“Mrs. Cooper, it smells just as heavenly as any bakery in town,” Colin complimented as he steps into the kitchen.
Colin props himself against the kitchen island as if he lived there. Riley glances his way and smiles. He likes how Colin feels comfortable around his family.
“Coffee?” Riley asked as he was already pulling another mug from the white cabinet with tarnished silver hardware.
“Do you have to ask?” grinning from ear to ear, “and of course I can’t say no to a cinnamon roll.”
“We are heading out for the day, and I thought we would grab lunch, so as not to spoil it, should we wrap up a few to take on our journey instead?”
Riley always knew how to pick up on Colin’s cues. The last thing Colin needed was a stomachache and being miserable all morning. Riley’s improv classes paid off, and Colin mouthed ‘thank you’ in Riley’s direction. He responded with a left-eyed wink.
“What a wonderful idea,” Mrs. Cooper said. “Will you be seeing Mackenzie later? I can pack extra.”
“We can stop by the theater; I’d love to show you all the renovations if you are up for an extra stop on our journey today,” Colin mentions between sips of his too-hot-to-drink coffee.
“I have no plans today since this crazy lady,” Riley steps over and hugs his mom from the side, “said I couldn’t go shopping with her, so I’m free to run wild in the streets and get into all sorts of trouble.”
He gives her a little squeeze.
“Don’t get into too much trouble, Santa’s still watching.”
Mrs. Cooper smiles at Colin while nudging Riley in the rib before handing him a small container housing the baked goods.
“You kids enjoy these.”
“Oh, we will,” Colin says while putting his cup down.
“We probably should get going,” Riley suggests while gathering the dirty coffee cups and placing them in the sink.
“I’ll do those, you boys get out of here.”
Walking to the foyer to redress their feet in boots, Riley hands Colin the container of cinnamon rolls so he can put his own boots on.
“Bye Mom, see you later.”
“Bye Mrs. Cooper, thanks again for the coffee and treats,” Colin held up the box toward her, but she was already rinsing cups and putting them in the dishwasher, so her back was toward them.
“Be safe,” she yelled back.
Driving through Concord, adjacent to Rockport, Riley notices some of his and Colin’s old stomping grounds. The little coffee shops are still there along with the mom-and-pop stores. No chain stores have been allowed to set up there, and Riley is thankful for that. He has heard of too many small towns being destroyed by them. The old-world nostalgia of the town just feels like home, and he is instantly at peace. It’s not the hustle and bustle of New York City. The architecture, the welcome sign from 1635, narrow roads, and friendly people add to the vibe. Riley wonders what it would be like to move back and put down roots.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Colin glances over from the driver seat.
“Just reminiscing,” the corner of Riley’s mouth turns up to one side. “Thanks for taking today off to hang out, I could have found something else to do.”
“With no car?”
“Good point, but I still have my bike.”
Riley looks back out the window.
“So where are we going?”
Knowing Colin, he has the day planned to the minute and they will be on a schedule. There isn’t much spontaneity with him, but Riley is along for the ride if it means that they can mend their friendship and move forward like old times.
“You’ll see.”
